Electric switch



Feb. 27, 1934. H G HORMNG 1,949,306

ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed April 22, 1933 INVENTOR' I {gm/rm (11701710117 M W/ 52 4/ ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 27, 1934 STATES ATENT FFiCE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to an improved electric switch, the object being to provide a construction which may be easily manipulated and which will automatically and quickly open the circuit after each closing thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved switch which utilizes the standard switches now on the market, the arrangement being such that the switch mechanism automatically remains open until manually closed and then automatically opens when released.

A further object of the invention, more specifically, is to provide in an electric switch having operating push pins, means for causing a spring to act on one pin so as to normally hold the switch open and to open the switch whenever released.

In the accompanying drawing Figure 1 is a side view of a photographers flash light and connecting cord with the switch embodying the invention connected therewith;

Figure 2 is a side view on an enlarged scale of the switch shown in Figure 1, certain parts being shown in section for better illustrating the structure;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary elevation of part of the switch shown in Figure 2 located directly at one of the switch pins;

Figure 4. is a perspective view of the pin cap shown in Figure 2, the same being on a slightly enlarged scale;

Figure 5 is a side view of a modified form of switch to that shown in Figure 2, the same being shown connected to a suitable wiring.

Referring to the accompanying drawing by numerals, 1 indicates a flash light structure for photographers, and 2 a switch structure disclosing an embodiment of the invention. The structure 1 is provided with a switch 3 of the standard kind having pins 4 and 5 for opening and closing the circuit. A handle 6 is connected to the switch so as to support the light structure 1 at any desired elevation. A suitable cord 7 extends downwardly to a plug 8 whereby current may be secured. The switch 2 is interposed in the length of the electric cord 7 so as to turn on the current whenever desired.

When the parts are arranged as shown in Figure 1, the switch 3 is in position for closing the circuit, while switch 2 is in position for holding the circuit open. Whenever the pin 9 is depressed the circuit will be closed at switch 2, and as switch 3 is already closed, current will be substantially instantly supplied to the flash bulb 10, whereby a desirable result is secured. By arranging the switch 2 in the position shown in Figure 1 the operators hand may grasp the handle 6 and hold the bulb 10 as high as desired, while the operators other hand may readily operate the pin 9.

Switch 2 is identical with switch 3 which is of the standard structure now commonly on the market, except that it is provided with a pin cap 11 and certain other parts hereinafter fully described. Switch 2 is shown on an enlarged scale in Figure 2 and, as above stated, is of standard 05 structure provided with a pin 9 for closing the circuit and a pin 12 for opening the circuit. Pins 9 and 12 are identical in performance with pins 4 and 5 shown in Figure 1. However, in order that switch 2 may be normally opened and re- '0 turned to an open position when pin 9 is released,

a spring 13 is provided with one end resting against the end of pin 12 and the other against the end 14 of cap 11. Cap 11 is provided with a flange 15 which may be square, round or other '6 shape and consequently overlaps the notch 16 formed in the casing of switch 2, thus presenting an anchor for the cap. When the cap is mounted as just described and as shown in Figure 2, the spring 13 acts to continually hold pin 12 and the mechanism of switch 2 in open position.

When it is desired to close the circuit as, for instance, to cause the bulb 10 to function as in Figure 1, pin 9 is pushed inwardly and as soon as it has moved a desired distance inwardly against the action of spring 13 current will be allowed to pass. It is not necessary to make an extra movement to open the circuit, but it is only necessary to move the finger or thumb off pin 9 and spring 13 will automatically open the circuit. This is very desirable where flashes are used by photographers, as the photographer is usually busy with other matters and quite often forgets to turn off the current. There are other circumstances where it is desirable to use current automatically and then be sure that the current is turned off. By reason of this structure current is automatically and quickly turned oil as soon as the pin 9 is released.

In Figure 5 the same invention is shown but is disclosed in a modified construction. This arrangement is adapted particularly as a foot switch, though it can be on the side of a wall or other place as preferred. In this form of the invention the switch 2' is of standard construction used in walls for turning on and oif lights in a room. In this form of the invention there is provided a pin 17 which when pressed inwardly opens the circuit, and with a pin 18 which when pressed inwardly closes the circuit and which also moves pin 17 outwardly. The construction just described is old and well known. However, surrounding the pin 17 is a cap 11' which is constructed identically with cap 11 shown in Figure 4, the flange 15 thereof being positioned beneath the covering plate 19 so that the spring 20 may function in the same way as spring 13.

It will be understood that the respective springs mentioned are of the proper strength to quickly open a circuit whenever permitted, but are sufficiently compressible so that the thumb of the operator may readily move the pin 9 and the foot of the operator may readily move the pin 18.

I claim:

In a switch structure, a standard switch having a pair of oppositely positioned pins for opening and closing the switch structure, said standard switch structure in iuding a casing having notches through which said pins project, a cap surrounding one of the pins and extending through one notch thereof, said cap having a closed end and a flange portion underlapping with part of the casin adjacent the last mentioned notch for holding the cap in place, and a spring acting on the closed end of the cap and on the end of the pin surrounded by the cap for normally holding said pin in an operated or functioning position.

HERMAN G. HORNING. 

